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5 Mom Places

I've shared this on social media before, but I thought I'd toss it up on the blog.  Happy Mother's Day!


Five "Mom places" I wish I could visit again:

5. My wedding day. Not only is it one of the best days of my life for obvious reasons, but it's also a day when Nicole's parents received me into the family with love and dedication. Many people complain about a mother-in-law who is intrusive or demeaning. I don't. I am glad to call my mother-in-law "mom." She has a servant's heart and she gives freely of herself for others. She would do anything for me, anything for my family.

4. I wish I could play cards again with Grandma Gruen. Whether we were playing 500 or Kings in the Corner, she would smile and laugh and have a great time. I loved the way she fussed at Grandpa when he would slam his knuckles on the table when making a dramatic play (whether the card was good or worthless). She would scold him "Al, don't do that!" But she wasn't really mad, and he never minded the scolding. It was all part of the game.

3. I'd love to wake up again at my Grandma and Grandpa Schwanke's house again and smell her caramel rolls in the oven. Imagine cinnamon rolls, except with copious amounts of sweet, gooey, caramel goodness on the top. Mmm! I'd love to be there again, and not just for an amazing breakfast, but to hear her sweet voice and feel the warmth of her love.

2. Hearing my mom practice the piano so she was ready to play in church was a regular part of my life. I remember one night after bedtime, mom sat down at the piano and started practicing, probably trying to catch up on that and a million other things. I vividly remember lying there and listening, soaking in every note. After a while, I crept downstairs and asked her, "Are you going to be playing for a while?" She said, "Why? Is it keeping you awake?" I replied, "No, it's helping me to fall asleep." That was a lie. But I didn't know how to tell her that I loved the way it was keeping me awake and I didn't want it to stop.

1. If I could, I would relive the days that Ethan, Aidan, and Bennett were born. Those days are so special to me, not only because I became a new dad or received a new son, but also because the woman I am privileged to call my wife shined forth all the beauty of motherhood. Freeze time at the very moment she receives her son and you will see tears of joy, a shower of kisses, love that causes her to shush and soothe, cradle and cuddle that little one. That same love still burns in her for me and for the boys, even if it looks mostly different now (though we still like the cuddling). And we are beyond blessed because of it.

What "mom places" would you like to visit again?

As we reflect on all the "mom places" in our life, we may feel sorrow, thankfulness, or joy. One thing is for sure: Mom, you are a reflection of God's own love, and you are a beautiful part of God's marvelous plan for family. Thank you. Happy Mother's Day.

truth + love

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